P. Lee Smith is Performing the Non‐exclusive Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Export
Enforcement. In this role, he is the senior appointed enforcement official within the Bureau of Industry
and Security (BIS). Mr. Smith is responsible for enforcing National Security objectives through his
leadership of over 130 federal agents located in 23 locations within and 7 locations outside the United
States. Through agents and analysts, Mr. Smith promotes the foreign policy objectives of the United
States. In particular, these National Security and foreign policy objectives focus on stopping the
proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and missile delivery systems, diversion of Commerce
controlled goods to terrorists or state sponsors of terror, and preventing commodities from being used
for unauthorized military end‐use. Mr. Smith also administers and enforces the Antiboycott Laws under
the Export Administration Act.


Previously, Mr. Smith served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy & Negotiations for
Enforcement and Compliance in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade
Administration. In that role, Mr. Smith oversaw programs and policies regarding the enforcement and
administration of U.S. Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty (trade remedy) laws and actively
assisted U.S. industry and businesses combat unfair foreign trade practices. Mr. Smith worked with
offices in his jurisdiction to improve foreign market access for U.S. exporters and investors; ensure
compliance by foreign governments with U.S. trade agreements; address potentially unfair application
of trade remedies by foreign governments on behalf of U.S. businesses; coordinate enforcement efforts
related to multilateral subsidies; and administer suspension agreements.


Prior to joining the Commerce Department in 2017, Mr. Smith practiced International Trade Law with
King & Spalding. In private practice, Mr. Smith represented U.S. manufacturers in trade‐remedy
proceedings in both the United States and in foreign legal jurisdictions. He specialized in trade litigation
at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the World
Trade Organization. Mr. Smith also is an expert on issues related to customs duty collections having
collaborated with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to
enforce antidumping and countervailing duty orders and investigate import fraud.

 

 

   
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